TULELAKE – The Tulelake Police Department is being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office following allegations of federal and state statute violations, stated sheriff Jon Lopey.

According to Tulelake police commissioner Darwin Carroll, Tulelake Police Department chief Tony Ross and the department’s one officer are currently on administrative leave. Lopey stated that they will remain on leave pending the completion of the investigation.

During the interim, the sheriff’s department has deployed deputies to the city of Tulelake to provide law enforcement services.

Lopey noted that no charges have been filed, and the investigation is in the final stages. He anticipates the sheriff’s department will arrive at a resolution within the next month.

The probe was launched in February as a result of an arrest incident on Feb. 3 that was carried out by Tulelake Police Department officers.

An agency (which Lopey declined to name) reported the details of the incident to the sheriff’s department. Lopey said he sought assistance from the FBI to conduct the investigation.

“The investigation was prompted by an allegation of misconduct,” said Lopey. However, he declined to divulge details since the investigation is ongoing. He did, however, state the allegations involve statute violations at the state and federal level.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s department served two search warrants in Tulelake. One search was carried out at the Tulelake Police Department, confirmed Lopey, though he declined to disclose the location of the other search. Carroll told the Daily News that it is his understanding the other search was executed at Ross’ residence; this information was not confirmed by the sheriff’s department.

“We executed these warrants in conjunction with the investigation,” said Lopey. “We were seeking evidence that may or may not substantiate the allegations.”

Lopey declined to reveal the outcome of the searches.

“Search warrants and investigative efforts have been focused on determining the truth of the matter and to refute or substantiate the allegations,” stated Lopey in a press release issued by the sheriff’s department late Thursday.

In addition to the execution of the search warrants, Lopey, district attorney Kirk Andrus and FBI agents met with Tulelake city officials on Wednesday to discuss the allegations.

“The cooperation between the involved investigating agencies and the city of Tulelake has been extraordinary and has helped to resolve important issues in the case thus far,” stated Lopey in the release.

He added, “The case findings must be thoroughly reviewed by local and federal officials prior to any outcome being finalized. We know this is a difficult situation for all concerned, and we plan to resolve the case as soon as practical.”

Page 2 of 2 - Phone calls to Ross and Tulelake mayor Randy Darrow were not returned to the Daily News by press time.

Anyone with additional information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at the 24-hour Dispatch number 841-2900.